This was one of my most memorable hikes in Daisetsuzan National Park. With the help of the ropeway, it’s incredibly easy to access. If you’re short on time, you can simplify the hike by going just to the Kurodake Summit, where you’ll get spectacular views of the surrounding mountain range. This shortened trail only takes about 3 hours roundtrip, making it perfect for a quicker adventure.

Below is the full loop trail around the Ohachidaira Caldera, the most recommended trail.

Trailhead:

• Starting Point: Mt. Kurodake Ropeway Station, located in Sounkyo Onsen, central Hokkaido.

• Access to Trailhead: Take the Kurodake Ropeway from Sounkyo Onsen to the 5th Station, followed by a short walk to the chair lift that brings you up to the 7th Station. For detailed access, see Japan Guide's Kurodake Access.

• Trail Map of Daisetsuzan National Park

Trail Overview

• Distance: 15 km

• Elevation Gain: 1200 meters

• Duration: 7 hours for the full loop

• Best Season: June to October, as snow and ice may linger in early summer.

• Trail Map: Refer to the Ohachidaira Caldera trail map on YAMAP for route details.

Route Description

1. Ropeway and Chair Lift to 7th Station:
   Begin your hike by taking the Kurodake Ropeway from Sounkyo Onsen to the 5th Station. From the 5th Station, a short forest trail leads to the chair lift, which brings you to the 7th Station. This is where the hike towards Mt. Kurodake summit begins.

2. 7th Station to Mt. Kurodake Summit (60-90 minutes):
   Starting from the upper chair lift station, ascend through open terrain with panoramic views of the Daisetsuzan range. The steep but scenic climb leads to the 1984-meter summit of Mt. Kurodake. This portion offers some of the best vantage points over the surrounding mountains.

3. Mt. Kurodake to Ohachidaira Caldera (30-40 minutes):
   From the summit, descend to the trail that leads towards the Ohachidaira Caldera. This volcanic basin is surrounded by rugged peaks and is a spectacular sight, offering otherworldly landscapes with views of volcanic formations, loose rock, and sulfur vents.

4. Ohachidaira Caldera Loop (1-2 hours):
   The loop trail around Ohachidaira Caldera offers unique viewpoints over the caldera’s expansive bowl, volcanic rock formations, and fumaroles. This portion of the trail is well-marked, and the views are constantly changing as you make your way around. The dramatic scenery and peaceful atmosphere make it a highlight of the hike.

5. Return from Ohachidaira to 7th Station (30-40 minutes):
   After completing the caldera loop, return along the same trail to the 7th Station. Here, you can catch the chair lift back down to the 5th Station and take the ropeway back to Sounkyo Onsen.